The good news is that by taking just a few precautions you can minimize the lifespan of ingrown hairs and possibly avoid them in the future.

Treating: The first step to avoiding razor bumps is to begin treating the ones you already have with a product that will clear and exfoliate the pores. For the body, we suggest KP Duty dermatologist body scrub with chemical + physical exfoliation to gently resurface, retexturize and exfoliate skin while removing dead cells and easing the hair out of the follicle.  For the face, we recommend Physical Chemistry facial microdermabrasion + multiacid chemical peel.

Prevention: Besides treating ingrown hairs, regular exfoliation is key in preventing these bumps from starting. Reach for your KP Duty dermatologist body scrub or Physical Chemistry facial scrub every few days to keep skin in tip-top shape. You could also use a loofah or invest in a brush with soft bristles; both feel great against your skin. With a small amount of gentle soap, rub the loofah or brush against the skin in a circular manner. This helps to dislodge embedded hairs and discard dead skin cells.

Shaving Tips: In order to prevent ingrown hairs from popping up again, avoid shaving creams that are foam-based. Additionally, you want to only use products that are non-acnegenic and intended for sensitive skin. This will help prevent the irritation and dryness that leads to these unsightly bumps.

A surprising cause of ingrown hairs is shaving too close. The use of multiple blades can actual cut the hair below the surface of the skin, leading to the possibility of more ingrown hairs. Save some money by skipping the multi-blade razors and use a single blade. You also want to avoid putting too much pressure on the blade when it is against the skin and work with cool or lukewarm water when shaving.

Speaking of water, make sure to thoroughly wet the skin area before shaving, giving the hair time to soften. Then use a gel shaving cream and shave in the direction of hair growth. While many shave against the grain for maximum smoothness, shaving with the grain of growth cuts the hair straight, making it less likely to grow backwards and under the skin. These tips are especially important if you suffer from ingrown hairs in the underarm area, a location many women find is prone to the unseemly bumps. While you may occasionally still find an ingrown hair bump or two, taking these small steps can reduce the likelihood of these painful and unsightly annoyances.

By Jen Mathews
DERMAdoctor Staff Writer

This content is sponsored by DERMAdoctor. The author receives compensation for its creation. All content is the legal copyright of DERMAdoctor, Inc, and it may not be used, reprinted, or published without written consent.

The information provided is for entertainment purposes only and is not intended to provide medical, legal or other professional advice.